Camp Susquehanna

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Camp Susquehanna

Camp Susquehanna is dedicated to providing children with burns the opportunities to face social and physical challenges, develop self-esteem, and promote a positive attitude while encouraging healthy independence.  Camp is a safe place for healing, a place for children to share feelings about difficult experiences, perhaps for the first time.  Life skills workshops combined with many fun activities ensure that the child with burn injuries enjoys special experiences.  Camp Susquehanna strives to have every child meet the  goals of building self-esteem,  learning responsibility, and developing coping strategies to use outside the camp arena.  One way we do this is by providing challenge activities that give children the sense of ‘conquering’ and accomplishment.

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About

Philosophy & Goals

Camp Susquehanna is dedicated to providing children with burns the opportunities to face social and physical challenges, develop self- esteem, and promote a positive attitude while encouraging healthy independence.  Camp is a safe place for healing, a place for children to share feelings about difficult experiences, perhaps for the first time.  Life skills workshops combined with many fun activities ensure that the child with burn injuries enjoys special experiences.  Camp Susquehanna strives to have every child meet the  goals of building self-esteem,  learning responsibility, and developing coping strategies to use outside the camp arena.  One way we do this is by providing challenge activities that give children the sense of ‘conquering’ and accomplishment.

History

Camp Susquehanna came into being after a lecture in 1994 to the Lancaster SERTOMA club by Alan Breslau, founder of the Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors. The club presented him with a Service to Mankind Award and asked him what they could do to help burn survivors. Alan immediately suggested that they establish a camp for burned children. It was decided there and then by the Sertomans that they would do so in memory of M Elvin Byler their founder. Camp Susquehanna was born! The first camp was held on the beautiful campus of Franklin and Marshall College with eight children that very same summer. It was a very ‘full on’ program packed tightly with fun activities and outings, directed by Richard Friedman, Lee Walp, Cindy Thomas and Alan & Delwyn Breslau with enthusiastic support from the Sertoma members and the Fire Service. Children have since been flown in from many different states where there are no established camps for them to attend. Alan and Delwyn remained closely involved with the annual summer camp until their emigration to New Zealand in 2003.

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Camper Info

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Activities

Swimming

Music

Campfires

Fancy Dinner

Waterfront

Fishing

Climbing Wall

Ropes Course

Electives

And So Much More!

 

 

 

 

 

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Volunteer Info

Counselors must be present at camp per the dates listed above. No exceptions.

  • Have experience working with children
  • Complete the application
  • Complete a phone interview
  • Attend all days of camp
  • Must have Criminal and Child Abuse checks completed and mailed prior to attending camp. Anyone who has not lived in the state of PA for the last ten consecutive years ​must also complete an FBI fingerprint check. Clearances are valid for 60 months from date of ​issue.
  • Burn survivors ages 18-20 may apply to the Leaders-In-Training Program
  • All others potential volunteers must be at least 21 years of age

2020 Camp Susquehanna Handbook COMING SOON!

2020 Volunteer Application » COMING SOON!

Packing List

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Donate

Camp Susquehanna is only possible because of generous community donors and businesses. It costs roughly $1000 to send one child to camp, and the entire experience is completely free of charge to our campers and their families! If you are interested in making a tax-deductible donation, please use the donate button below or make your check out to the Burn Prevention Network and put Camp Susquehanna in the comment section.

 

CHECK OUT OUR AMAZON WISHLIST!

 

JOIN OUR ONLINE FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN!

 

If you prefer to send a check:

Burn Prevention Network c/o Camp Susquehanna
236 North 17th Street
Allentown, PA 18104

** Please make checks payable to Burn Prevention Network and write Camp Susquehanna in the memo line

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Leadership

Breck Artz, MS

Breck Artz is a Therapist with Catholic Charities Intensive Day Treatment Program in Lancaster, PA. There she works with children and adolescents with significant mental health diagnoses within the school/program settings while working extensively with their team to decrease behaviors so that they may return to a less restrictive environment.  Breck is also the part time Student Ministries Leader at Church of God of Landisville. She has her Master’s degree in Child, Youth, and Family Studies with a specialization in Youth Development. Breck has been a part of Camp Discovery-Pennsylvania (a specialized camp for children with chronic dermatological conditions) since 1998 and has been on their director team since 2002. These experiences have led her to Camp Susquehanna as part of leadership team overseeing camp programming. She has been involved with Camp Susquehanna since 2014.

Jessica Banks, BSE

Jessica Banks is the Prevention Education Director and Camp Liaison for the Burn Prevention Network. She has a Bachelor’s degree with dual certification in Elementary and Early Childhood Education from Millersville University. She worked in Early Care Classrooms and Administration for 18 years before joining the staff of the Burn Prevention Network in 2006. She runs all programming for BPN, and holds the PA State Levels I&II Certification as a Youth Fire Misuse Specialist.  She has been involved with Camp Susquehanna since 2015.

Liz Dideon Hess, LCSW

Liz Dideon Hess is a Clinical Social Worker working in private practice therapy. Previously, she has worked at Lehigh Valley Health Network’s Regional Burn Center for 13 years, where she provided mental health counseling, support group facilitation, and oversaw peer support programs for pediatric and adult burn survivors. She specializes in trauma, social skill development, grief, and body image issues. Liz has been a burn survivor since 2003 and has been involved with Camp Susquehanna since 2004.

Marcia Levinson, PT, PhD, MFT

Marcia Levinson is an Associate Professor at Thomas Jefferson University, in the department of Physical Therapy. Her specialty is pediatrics, with a Master’s degree in family counseling, a Master of Science degree in Pediatric Physical Therapy and a Doctorate in Clinical Child Development. Marcia has been on the Leadership Team of Camp Susquehanna since 2002.

Jennifer Nagle, RN, BSN, CCRN

Jennifer Nagle graduated in 1999 from Widner University with a Bachelors degree in nursing and has worked as a critical care nurse at Lehigh Valley Health Network’s, Regional Burn Center since 2003. Jenn has been involved with Camp Susquehanna since 2006 and the LIT leader since 2013.

Steven Schneider, CFPS

Steven Schneider is a retired Fire Chief and currently works for a large fire protection service provider. He is the Lehigh Valley Health Network, Regional Burn Center’s Liaison to the Fire Service. Steve has been involved with Camp Susquehanna since 2014 and the LIT leader since 2015.

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Leaders In Training

The Leaders In Training (LIT) program is a three year leadership program within Camp Susquehanna, for young adults ages 18 to 21 with an option for a fourth year. The LIT program focuses on fostering skills necessary to becoming a good leader as well as developing life skills that will be beneficial throughout the participant’s lifetime. Through a combination of group discussions and exercises, the participants will recognize the value of teamwork and planning, how to overcome obstacles, handle setbacks and continue to develop their own values. These skills will be put to use while interacting and assisting the campers and councilors. Entry into this program is via an application process, which will be reviewed by a committee of the Camp and those accepted will be notified.

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FAQs

What is Camp Susquehanna?

Camp is a 5 day, sleep-away experience for children ages 7-17 who have had a burn injury. It is an opportunity for children to have fun, learn life skills, and meet other burn survivors. Although Camp Susquehanna’s campers are of varying ages, activities and groups are geared towards each camper’s developmental needs.

Where is C.S.?

Camp Susquehanna is being held at beautiful Camp Westmont in Poyntelle, PA!  Surrounded by beautiful woods and containing many outdoor adventures, campers and counselors also enjoy the amenities of air conditioned facilities.

Who are the counselors/Staff?

Our staff consists of adult burn survivors, health care professionals, burn center staff and fire service professionals.  All of our staff undergoes criminal background checks, screening interviews, and training.

How much does it cost?

NOTHING! Camp is free to campers, sponsored by the M. Elvin Byler Memorial Sertoma Club, Burn Prevention Network,  and other generous donors.  Campers are also offered free roundtrip bus transportation from several different sites/burn centers across Pennsylvania; including Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and Lehigh Valley.  Children may also be brought to camp via private vehicle.

What about my child’s special needs?

Camp Susquehanna has qualified burn nurses on staff who dispense medications, change dressings, assist with pressure garments, and perform medical duties as needed.  For the first time this year we will also have the benefit of Telemedicine Services through Lehigh Valley Health Network!  Our programming is geared to include all levels of ability and function.   Other professionals are present, including mental health, physical, occupational, and/or recreational therapists, etc.

It is the policy of the Burn Prevention Network to make its educational programs and services available to all persons, organizations, and places of business without regard to sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, race, creed, color, national origin, ability to pay, handicap or disability, and subject to the availability of institutional resources.

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Sponsors

Thank you to our 2019 Sponsors, Donors, and Fundraisers!

501(c)3 info: The Burn Prevention Network is a Non-Profit Charitable Corporation registered in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The official registration and financial information may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll free 1-800-732-0999

Burn Foundation Philadelphia

Mike and Marie Zaia
Ashleigh Anderson
Rachael Novak
Vicki Mooney
Sarah Snyder
Jess Smith
Healtheo360

Jenn Nagle
Leah John
Byler Sertoma Club
Fraternal Order of the Eagles
National Crisis Response Canines
Fleming Foundation
Kistler O’Brien Fire Protection Services

Pam & Kevin John
Wendy Davis
DJ Butz
Stark & Stark
Adam Goldman
Lehigh Valley Health Network
Kenneth A Neidinger Memorial Ride
Leo & Mickey Woelkers
Gary Reynolds
Mark Young
Molnlycke
80 Proof Screen Printing

Randy Darrow
Krysta Hankee Memorial Fund
Ed Kavcak
Milliken
Kevin Erringer
Steve & Cheryl Schneider
GARTH ELIAS
Jenny Ziembicki
UPMC Mercy Trauma Services
Alain Corcos
Whirley Drinkworks
Megan Boemmel
Pamela Hess
Luke Prunty
John Miniaci
Lisa Ecker
Marian Wagner
Avita Medical
Patti Rottmund
Green Hill Association
Vicki Baucum
Mardel Mellinger
Pencor Services
Lynn Smokovich
PBA 144
Meredith and Elliott Hyman
Mark McClure
Eugenia Cuyar

Gail and Dale Belschner
Mary Boylan
Becky Ruple
Tracy Hartman
Denise Campbell
Jeanne Davis
Annamarie Kleppinger
Andrew Victory
Lower Macungie Fire Department
South Whitehall Township Fire Department
Susan E Wells

Glady Burak
Howard & Michelle Ferimer
Gina Howell
Raj Padmanabhan
Holt Murray
Sean DeChancie
Michael Grace
Guy Stofman
Eric Davidson
Salvatore Ventura
Kevin Klotz
Steven Rohe
Ashley Nassar
Mary Anderson
Mary Ellen Miller
Charles Anderson
Kathleen Slater
Jennifer Butz
Darryl & Fern Giddens
SUZANNE HIGGINS
Sammie Perella
Teresa Myers
Kayleigh Hendricks
Sara Spanjer
Gaelle Johnson

Maggie Lyle
John & Jessica McClelland
Cheryl Johnson
Hannah Schildkamp
Casey Catalano
Jennifer King
Debbie Hudak
Rhoda Smith
Laura Moyer
Sarah Zaler
Anne Pettinaroli
CJ Boffa
Alexis Carrelli
Barry Diamondstone
Barbara Polaneczky
Kristin Reichard
Alicia Singleton
Nicolle Mikolay
Michael Courchesne
Sharon Perelman
David Chudnow
Barry and Cindi Diamondstone
Charlotte Clarke
Shawn Bausher
Rafael Martinez

Matthew Davis
Sondra Sifrit
Danielle Reynolds
Cathy Putnam
Francis Gaffney
Ann Stumpf
Cathleen Knecht
Junie Maimon
Megan Anderson
Cheryl & Jacob Troutman
Michele Buraczewski
Franklin Jessee
Karen Strauss
Rachel Gonzalez
Stephie Soden
Diane and Joseph Sheridan
LauraJean Yuli
Rashida Henderson
Brenda Ziemkiewicz
Janai Williams
George Buccheri
Michelle Weisbord
Devon Christman
Chrissy Janisko
Joyce Hinnebusch
Joshua Schuneman
Quito Ollero
Kristen Lilly
George Buccheri
Brett Mohney
Laura Watkinson
Michelle Ebert
Shayna Ksanznak
Lilia Miniaci
Pamela Post
Erin Dougherty
Angela Confusione
Cheryl Whitehead
LuAnn Puglisi
Colleen Gallagher
Kristin Trageser
Kayla McAteer
Doug Schaub
Jackie Hendricks
Patricia Gambella
Mindy Wirick
Kaitlin Baird
Deborah Ross
marie boylan
Shawn Bausher
Dom DeSalle
Peggy Baum
Vicki PR
Kristly Rice
Susan Ottolini
Ruth Rhodes
Barbara Matheny
Antoinette O’Donnell
Laura D’Anna
Melissa Marks
Mary Pennington
Maria Coluccio
Carol Jones
Cynthia Jones-Gaffney
Sharon Bublitz
Nick Carrelli
James Rauh
Lilia Caramanno
Susan Ottelini
Na-Tasha Hubbard
Tiffany Babinsack
Rachel Gleitman
Sheri Deascenti
Julie Kwiatkowski
Briana Gdanitz
James Ackerman
Dane Mornak
Nick Rittle
Alexa Ansell
Steven Tamesis
Macey Schaffer
Mary Guy
Stacy Skiavo
Kristina Murphy
Blanca Ruiz
Hobbes Ferret Hollow
Christine Crete
Pehri Faulkner
Amelia Ryba
Sean Falascino
Jayson Lilly
Jonathan Lilly
Madison Conner
Rachael Pluebell
Pamela Post
Project Linus
Raquel Vazquez
Karen Hanna
Monet Thorne
Andrew & Lory VanWoert
Katherine Fryer
Karen Mattern
Patricia Schildkamp
Cyndy Wenrich
Nadeem Raza
The Booher Family
Patricia Lawlor
Marylou Newns-Speer
Michelle Boonie

Adam Helman and Della
Steward
Reena Mishory
Clarice Licon
Erin Dougherty
Michelle Batz
The Dornblasers
Melece White
Santo Piccolomini
Cynthia Gaffney
Anna Barbosa
Heather Major
Barb Geno
iHealth Partners Network
Katie Shanley
George Buccheri
Denise Campbell
Deborah Smith
Linda & Jim Shanley
Ivan Balan
Judy Eason
Christine Shanley
Karen Mattern
Reba “The Diva”
Zahra Massicotte
Holly & Chris Gage
Molly Principe
Jim Steager
Michelle Scales